The BMW X2 has always been marketed as a “Sports Activity Vehicle”, or SAV for short. It is to the X1 what the X4 is to the X3 a sportier alternative to their odd-numbered SUV counterparts.

That translates into the even-numbered models being sleeker, but less practical than their odd-number cousins. But we also know that ‘2’ is greater than ‘1’, which should logically also mean that the former should be larger than the latter.

It seems like an engineer or designer in Bavaria noticed this too, as the Germans have addressed this for the very latest iteration of the X2.

Bold & Grown Up

BMW eschewed the outgoing car’s hatchback-esque looks for a bolder overall design. There’s no doubting the new X2’s SUV credentials, with a high beltline and ride height, and sharp creases throughout the bottom half of the vehicle.

It features many design elements that first debuted on higher-end BMW models – the kidney grille treatment first comes to mind. If you squint a little, there are hints of the XM in the overall styling too. BMW has not neglected the ‘coupe’ portion of this bodystyle, as the X2 features a sloping roofline that creates a liftback-esque appearance from several angles.

With its bold styling and considerate surfacing, there’s little to suggest that this is the entry point to BMW’s coupe-SUV offerings. It is also larger than the X1 too, though the additional length is most likely attributed to the X2’s more pronounced bumpers (the wheelbase of the two cars are the identical).

Surprisingly Spacious on the Inside

Space in the front is very similar to that of the X1. The driver and front passenger will have sufficient head and leg room to be comfortable even if you intend to cover some serious mileage. The current BMW interior formula is also very robust, with the vast majority of high touchpoint areas being trimmed in some kind of soft-touch material.

You’ll also find plenty of kit upfront too. A 10.7 inch display handles all of your infotainment needs, and runs on the latest OS9 firmware. It comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and I can confirm that smartphone mirroring works flawlessly.

The sloping roofline means there is less headroom than in the X1, but it isn’t compromised to the point that you’d not be comfortable. Considering its overall footprint, there’s little to complain about when it comes to knee or leg room. Headroom is also acceptable, especially if you are of average height.

Spritely, and Surprisingly so

Category A ICE cars tend to feel sluggish and unresponsive. This is a result of dealers artificially capping their cars locally, resulting in a powertrain that will almost never be in its ideal powerband. 

No such issue here, as the X2 feels properly tuned to meet our regulations. Powering this sDrive16i variant is a 1.5 litre B38 three cylinder motor developing 120 bhp. It develops 230 Nm of torque, and is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

The powertrain combo works flawlessly together, with the DCT seemingly ensuring the car is always developing peak power. This means it doesn’t feel asthmatic off-the-line, and there’s actually some poke when you need to overtake people.

Even the chassis, which is also shared with the new MINI Countryman, feels properly sorted and surprisingly sporty. It feels darty and agile, the illusion no doubt bolstered by its chunky steering wheel.

Svelte Sporty Surprise

The X2 is designed for the BMW aficionado looking for a compact and sleek crossover. It manages to have these traits, whilst ensuring practicality isn’t compromised. We are now approaching an era where even entry-level models, like the X2, can offer perks and features that were once only available in the higher-end cars.

And how much will you be paying for this all-new car? BMW wants just $258,888 (at the time of publishing), making it marginally more expensive than the higher spec X1, but very similarly priced to some other German crossovers, making this a very compelling option indeed!

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